Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for TIG welding

US4947021A · kind A · utility

61Cited by
3References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 1989
Grant dateAug 7, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 30, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K9/1006
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for TIG welding by passing an alternating current between a non-consumable electrode and a workpiece to form an arc, which apparatus comprises a single reactor with first and second coil portions and a common core, passing a direct current from a direct current power supply through the first coil portion of the reactor and in a negative direction from the workpiece to the electrode for creating a heating cycle, switchably disconnecting the direct current power supply from the circuit and immediately connecting the second coil portion of the reactor in a positive direction across the electrode and workpiece for creating a short cleaning cycle for cleaning the workpiece preparatory to the next heating cycle. These heating and cleaning cycles are continued to create a TIG welding process. During the negative current flow, energy and/or current to the arc is controlled by pulsing a FET switch with a pulse width modulated device adjusted by an error signal created by comparing the sensed arc current and a reference signal or set point.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.